Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Macklin Effect: Overview and Appearance on Computed Tomography

Overview

Journal World J Radiol

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty Radiology

Date 2014 Nov 29

PMID 25431639

Citations 82

Authors

Sadayuki Murayama

Shinji Gibo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is described as free air or gas located within the mediastinum that is not associated with any noticeable cause such as chest trauma. SPM has been associated with many conditions and triggers, including bronchial asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, forceful straining during exercise, inhalation of drugs, as well as other activities associated with the Valsalva maneuver. The Macklin effect appears on thoracic computed tomography (CT) as linear collections of air contiguous to the bronchovascular sheaths. With the recent availability of multidetector-row CT, the Macklin effect has been seen in the clinical setting more frequently than expected. The aim of this review article is to describe the CT imaging spectrum of the Macklin effect in patients with SPM, focusing on the common appearance of the Macklin effect, pneumorrhachis, and persistent SPM with pneumatocele.

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